Nashville Predators sign Patric Hornqvist
The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed forward Patric Hornqvist to a three-year deal worth $9.25 million. The young sniper was a restricted free agent with the club, and the signing keeps him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Hornqvist was drafted 230th overall in the seventh round by the Predators in the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft. After being drafted, the 23-year-old spent two seasons playing in the Swedish Elite League for Djurgardens IF Stockholm, registering 30 points in 54 games in his final season. In 2008-09 Hornqvist joined the Predators for half the season spending the other half with their American Hockey League affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals. Last season was Hornqvist’s first full campaign with the Preds.
Hornqvist surprised everyone last season breaking out for 30 goals, and leading the Predators in points with 51. The sudden offensive burst made him an absolutely essential piece of the puzzle for Nashville. Hornqvist was the offensive leader in 2009-10 on a club which is more inclined to defensive hockey. The native of Sweden amassed an impressive 275 shots, and led the team in game-winning-goals with eight.
Bringing back Hornqvist for three years for a little over $3 million a season is a steal for the cap-strapped Predators. Still thought to have not reached his potential on offence, Hornqvist is also a reliable defensive forward, going an impressive plus-18 last season. With an aging group of first line talent, locking up Hornqvist for the term was an excellent move by Predators management. The youngster is set to start next season on the first line, and will once again be called upon to produce as the team’s most dynamic offensive threat.
Last season with the Predators Hornqvist notched 30 goals and 21 assists for 51 points in 80 games.
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